The 9 best rain jackets for women

How we tested the best rain jackets for women

Water resistance

We tested 33 jackets in wet and windy weather and wore them for as long as possible each time it rained. When it wasn't raining, we did a "drench test" where we wore each jacket under a shower head, powered at light and heavy flows to simulate different rain storms. During the shower test, we checked whether our clothes underneath got wet.

Comfort

Our testers wore each rain jacket out in the world on multiple occasions to assess each one's comfort. We looked for overall fit of the jacket, range of motion in the arms and hips (particularly when fully zipped up), and how comfortable the jacket felt on the body after 30 minutes to a few hours.

For rain jackets that could be worn running, walking, or hiking, we wore them on moderately-intense activities to assess how breathable each was and, therefore, how comfortable on the move.

Weight and durability

These two factors are a bit personal: Some people prefer a barely-there, lightweight raincoat while others prefer one that's heftier and more protective against the elements. Additionally, some people are way harder on their gear and need a higher level of durability than others.

All of our recommended jackets are a comfortable weight and durable enough for the average wearer — that is, they'll hold up for normal amounts of wear and tear for the activity they're intended for (e.g., walking around cities, rainy runs). That being said, we have specific categories for those who need a highly technical jacket, and those who need a super lightweight travel jacket.

Usability

Considering a rain jacket is intended to protect you in less-than-ideal weather, it ought to be frustration-free to put on, zip up, and walk around in.

For each jacket I tested, I took it on some kind of walk outdoors in order to assess the functionality of each jacket and it's features. Specifically, I looked at things like pocket placement, convenience of zipper and buttons, how easy it was to slide the hood on and cinch it at the face in case of wind, and the like. I also considered how loud, crinkly, or swooshy the material of each jacket was when out walking, since this seemingly-small detail can lead to big annoyances over time.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Rachael Schultz, style contributor and outdoor gear expert: Formerly the Health Editor at Insider Reviews, Rachael is now based in Colorado where she tests activewear and other technical apparel. She has over a decade of experience conducting experiments to verify that her subjects live up to brands' claims.

For this guide, Rachael tracked forecasts in order to give rain jackets the fullest outdoor analysis possible. During dry spells, she'd pivot to simulating rainfall in her own shower and inspecting jackets' seams for leaks. Whether out for a neighborhood walk with her dog or traveling cross-country during peak rainy season, her assessments give you a range of stylish rain jackets so you can enjoy the outdoors in any weather.

Learn more about how the Reviews team tests clothing at BI.

Best overall: Outdoor Research Women's Aspire 3L Jacket

The first time I tested rain jackets, Outdoor Research's Aspire II jacket was my top pick. Its latest iteration — the Aspire 3L — builds on everything that made its predecessor so great, now with one huge improvement: A new proprietary 3L fabric that's waterproof and breathable.

I had found that the Aspire II jacket's main drawback was it wasn't technically savvy enough for heavy-rain outings. But with the new upgrades to the Aspire 3L, Outdoor Research has bumped it up to be a highly technical rain jacket. It works great whether you're caught in a quick passing thunderstorm at a sports game, or on a multi-hour hike in the Pacific Northwest.

It's more technical (and well-ventilated) than ever before. This jacket is made with three layers of a proprietary material that's treated with Nikwax DWR, which I witnessed cause each water droplet to bead up and roll off the surface. The extra layer makes it slightly thicker than the Aspire II, but I found the 3L to be equally breathable on hikes in Colorado and during humid rainstorms in South Carolina (plus, absolutely no water seeped in during our 60-second drench test).

Fabric aside, it has fully taped seams, vents to dump heat and keep you dry, and a well-designed hood with drawstrings to cinch it down when the wind kicks up. My field of vision was clear even with the hood on, which was not the case for each jacket I tested.

It moves with your body. New to the redesign, the Aspire 3L is constructed with what the brand calls "movement-mirroring stretch." This refers to the strategically-placed stretch panels that are integrated within the 100% recycled nylon shell. These flex in every direction, so you aren't fighting against your jacket while it's, say, pinned down by a backpack. It's a nuanced feature, but one I appreciated the more I wore the jacket.

It comes with helpful features. The Aspire 3L jacket has three roomy, external pockets (all zippered and waterproof), including a chest pocket that's big enough for your phone. It also comes with adjustable Velcro wrist cuffs.

One feature that sets this jacket above the competition: the OR TorsoFlo vents, which unzip nearly the whole side length of the jacket from armpit to hip via two-way zippers. This way, you can release heat from the top as needed, or add more mobility at the bottom if you're on a bike or wearing a waist dog leash.

It's more sustainable than most rain jackets. The forever chemicals, PFAFs, are pervasive in high-quality waterproof apparel. But the Aspire 3L is treated with Dry DWR, a PFAS-free waterproofing method. The coat is made from 100% recycled nylon fabric, and is the first technical apparel in the outdoor industry to be third-party certified carbon-neutral by Climate Impact Partners.

Best budget: Columbia Hikebound II Jacket

It kept me totally dry in a 30-second drench test. I tried four rain coats that cost under $100, and the Columbia Women's Hikebound II outperformed them all. Not only is this rain jacket completely waterproof, but it's also fully seam-sealed. As I stood under a shower head, I stayed completely dry inside the jacket.

The hood doesn't crumple in the wind. It has a wide, roomy fit and, combined with the high chin cuff, will guide any falling water away from your face. This hood cinches down, which you can secure any time a breeze kicks up.

It has thoughtful bonus features that go beyond its price point. The Hikebound II has similar details to the more expensive raincoats I tested. There's waterproof seam sealing, three roomy pockets (including a vertical chest pouch for your phone), two front closure methods (zipper and velcro), a cinchable hem to seal out moisture, and even adjustable wrist cuffs. Plus, it's PFAS-free.

It's not insulating, but has room for layers underneath. I didn't feel constricted with a sweatshirt underneath, making this jacket more versatile for different seasons.

It's not the best for hot, humid climates or long hikes. The material feels a little stiff compared to other women's raincoats I tested. It packs down to about the size of a small bread loaf, while the OR Helium UL is closer to a grapefruit. It's breathable on its own, but there aren't any underarm or back vents to help dump heat if you're sweating.

The velcro can be annoying to unfasten. It caught my hair a few times, and takes some effort to peel apart once the jacket is closed.

Best long: Fjällräven Vardag Rain Parka

If you're looking for a long raincoat that will keep the majority of your body dry and look sleek on wet city walks, Fjällräven's Vardag Rain Parka delivers—and then some.

It's made from a totally waterproof eco-conscious material. This waterproof shell jacket is crafted from a 2.5-layer recycled polyester that has a PU membrane and proved completely waterproof during our drench test. The material is the perfect thickness and weight to keep you feeling protected but not weighed down when wearing this jacket around the city for hours. It fits on the roomier side, which is ideal for wearing layers underneath (we did find the material cold on bare shoulders when wet). It has a roomy hood and long silhouette to keep 75% of you dry in even the nastiest of rain storms.

It has a sleek design. The vertical, button-flapped pockets are convenient, roomy, and protective to stash items you want easy access to. The high collar and adjustable hood are effective at keeping rain out without impeding your visibility. It has a two-way main zipper to offer more range of motion when riding a bike around the city, say. Most of all, this coat has snap buttons from top to bottom for a quick closure, which we found particularly nice during testing since zipping a long rain jacket can be cumbersome to do up if it's just lightly raining for a few minutes.

At $350, it's not cheap—but the material, durability, and features all make this jacket feel quite luxurious and, truthfully, like it would cost more.

Best lightweight: Outdoor Research Helium UL Jacket

It weighs next to nothing. At 5.6 ounces, this rain jacket packs down quite small (roughly the size of a grapefruit).

A thin jacket like this doesn't offer much warmth. The lighter weight means little insulation. No water seeped through, but the cold certainly did. If you want to layer underneath, size up.

Despite its thinness, it's shockingly waterproof and wind-resistant. The Helium UL is crafted with 2.75 layers with a 20K/20K waterproof rating (remember: the best rain jackets are 3L, so it's nearly there). It's also made with fully seam-taped seams.

It performs well in brief downpours. In a drench test, this jacket kept me completely dry for 30 seconds under a constant stream. It will save you if you're caught in a storm and are seeking shelter, but I wouldn't trust it in extended downpours. That said, I found it to be pretty wind resistant and breathable as I wore it on a hike through the mountains.

The hood stays put in the wind. It has a tiny brim to shield your face and a cinch in the rear to keep it secure. The adjustable wrist cuffs keep your sleeves locked in place to prevent water from getting in. This jacket also has two YKK-zippered pockets and a cinchable hem.

Best for travel: Halfdays Mary Rain Jacket

It's stylish and highly versatile. I wore the Mary Rain Jacket on a rainy, spring 10-day trip to Maine and it was technical enough to protect me through many rain showers. It was loose enough to fit a midlayer puffy under on the cold coast, and stylish enough to not ruin any of my outfits.

It's not as waterproof as a 3L jacket. If you need something more heavy-duty, I recommend the Stio Ender or Outdoor Research Aspire 3L.

It doesn't pack down as small as the Outdoor Research Helium UL, but it's still an ideal travel jacket. It folds down to about the size of a loaf pan, and still feels pretty lightweight at 24 ounces. I found it convenient to wear during long airport travel and easy to stash in the overhead bin on top of my suitcase.

It's fully waterproof, wind-repellent, and breathable. The Mary Rain Jacket is made from 100% recycled Nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating.
The fabric has a 10K/10K waterproof to breathability rating, so it balances water protection without trapping body heat inside (the wide bottom helps with that, too).

The adjustable hood, hems, and cuffs keep the elements out. The hood is large with a cinch that holds fast in a gust of wind (though I'd prefer if there was a second cinch on the back). This jacket has fully taped seams, YKK waterproof zippers, snap-adjustable sleeve cuffs, and a cinchable bottom hem.

Best for hiking: Stio Ender Jacket

If you live in a wet climate or are looking for the best rain jacket to take on outdoor adventures, the Stio Ender rain jacket is near-perfect.

It's designed for serious rainstorms. Created out of Jackson, Wyoming by people who live and adventure in the mountains, the brand's PeakProof 3L shell is made from 100% recycled nylon, finished with PFC-free DWR (two wins for the environment) and offers 20,000mm of waterproofness with 10,000g breathability. Not only is it the perfect balance between waterproof and breathable, but it's also extremely durable, made with Tricot backer. On top of all that, it's very lightweight (12.8 ounces).

During testing, this jacket proved reliably waterproof under heavy and continuous water flow. In fact, it performed better than a technical rain jackets double its price. It felt seamless to wear while on fast-moving hikes through the Colorado mountains.

It has a flattering silhouette, despite all its bonus features. The Stio Ender has three zippered pockets; zippered, armpit vents to dump heat; and one of the best-fitting adjustable hoods we tested (it cinches like a baseball cap, rather than tight around the face). I particularly liked the brushed fleece chin guard when the jacket was zipped all the way up. I also appreciated the that the fit hits the sweet spot of not too baggy and not too tight.

The hem is slightly dropped in the back, but it doesn't cover the top of the thighs or much of the butt. Also, it only comes in three colorways (though I do love all three) and has a limited size range, which are the main reasons it didn't earn the top spot. But if you're looking for a highly technical rain jacket you can trust, and this size and color range works for you, we couldn't recommend the Stio Ender more.

Most stylish: Woolrich Waxed Trench Coat

It's nearly waterproof. This long trench coat is made from a waxed cotton-nylon blend that's both water-repellent and wind-resistant. While technically not 100% waterproof, it kept me perfectly dry under my umbrella during a spring downpour in New York.

Considering most city dwellers brave the rain with an umbrella overhead, this jacket is water-resistant enough to keep you dry on a typical rainy day while you're between shops, cabs, or the subway. Its rear slit has a snap closure for when you need to keep extra slush out, and the two generous front pockets have a hidden side opening. There is no hood on this rain coat, but that's part of what keeps the silhouette so clean.

It's classically elegant.Woolrich is a heritage brand known for making incredibly high-quality outerwear in classic silhouettes that'll last decades — and this trench holds true to the brand's name. Available in two colors, the waxed outer has a sleek and clean aesthetic to it. The more technical material is contrasted by rib-knit velvet wrist cuffs and collar for a refined touch. The jacket is designed with two ways of closing: a two-way zipper for full coverage and hidden snap buttons for quick security. The outside of the full-length flap has faux buttons for an added touch of smart aesthetic.

It runs very large. Not only is this rain jacket quite long, but it also runs rather big. For reference, I am 5'5" and typically a Large in jackets. The Waxed Trench I'm pictured in above is a Small and hits just below mid-shin. Sizes do run down to an XXS, but it would likely be floor-length on anyone under 5'2".

Best insulated: Patagonia Women's Tres 3-in-1 Parka

We know: $700 is a lot for a rain jacket. But for three different coats —all of which are sustainably made, durably constructed, and backed by a lifetime guarantee — it's a pretty good deal, especially if you live in a true four-season location where your needs change frequently and fast.

It's three jackets in one.Patagonia's Tres 3-in-1 Parka consists of two main jackets: A performance outer shell, made from 100% recycled polyester with an eco-conscious, DWR finish that is completely waterproof, and an inner 100% recycled, 700-fill-power, down insulation liner jacket. Separately, you have a long, down winter coat for those frigid, humid days where the damp air chills you to your bone.

It's easy to transition from one to the other. The rain jacket has a two-way full zip — very convenient if you like to ride a bike around the city, say — and a storm flap for a sleeker look and convenient, hidden snaps to close the jacket when you're dashing out and don't want to fuss with the zipper.

It keeps your entire upper-half warm and dry. This jacket not only looks expensive, but feels expensive. Both the outer shell and inner insulated liner have zippered pockets with a brushed fleece lining to keep your hands warm. The outer shell has an adjustable hood that also snaps off for a sleeker, city look, and a tall collar to protect your face from wind and rain.

As a rain jacket alone, this outer lining certainly gives the Fjällräven Vardag Rain Parka a run for its money. And while this jacket is, as we said, expensive, Patagonia's reputation and apparel longevity speaks for itself — plus, the brand offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Read more about our favorite gear from the B Corp brand in our full Patagonia outdoor clothing review.

Best for running: Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0

Janji's Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0 is incredibly lightweight at just 7.2 ounces. I tested it out on runs and hikes and loved its permanent flap vents at the waist in the front and back. It's strategically designed to keep water out while preventing heat build-up. It also has a drop hem in the back for better splatter guard on muddy trails.

It's great for outdoor exercise. Despite its incredibly-lightweight construction, this rain jacket is shockingly durable. It's crafted with a 2.5-layer laminated shell of ripstop fabric (tough and windproof) treated with a PFC-free C0-DWR (eco-friendly and waterproof) coating.

It's especially handy for active lifestyles. As an avid runner, Janji makes some of the my favorite workout clothes. This fully seam-taped jacket has two zippered hip pockets (including an inner mesh pouch to minimize bounce), and semi-elastic wrist cuffs that stay in place when you run. The hood is an elasticized, scuba-like type with bungie toggles. It has a small visor in the middle to keep rain off your face and still allows for 180º of visibility. The jacket is very lightweight and comfortable to wear tied around your waist when the sun comes out, or it can be stuffed inside its self-stowing pocket and tossed in a backpack.

It can handle steady rain. During the drench test, the Rainrunner sufficiently kept water out during 60 seconds of significant water pressure, even around the flapped vents. It's not going to keep you dry in an hour-long, heavy rainstorm in Vancouver, but if you get caught in a sudden downpour, it will surprise you by how well it keeps water out during the stretch of time it'll take you to reach shelter. If you want a light jacket to bring on a run or a hike just in case, the Rainrunner is incredibly well equipped.

Other rain jackets we tested

What we liked

Quince Weather Proof Oversized Rain Jacket ($80): For under $100, this rain coat gets the job done protecting you from moisture. The Columbia Hikebound II is a similar price while also more waterproof with a more universally-appealing cut, but if you prefer a longer, oversized rain jacket, it's a great budget pick.

Helly Hansen Seven J Rain Jacket ($120): Helly Hansen is a well-respected technical brand, and the Seven J is completely waterproof with thoughtful details. It didn't outperform the Columbia Hikebound II enough to warrant the price difference, but it's definitely a solid rain jacket.

Vuori Nomadic Packable Rain Shell ($248): A 3L, water-resistant shell with fully-taped seams, this rain jacket is comfortable to wear and has a cute, boxy cropped fit. It didn't make the cut as it's not fully waterproof and the shorter cut isn't as ideal for protection against the rain, but if you're looking for a sporty-looking rain jacket to wear over athleisure on misty spring days, it's a great choice.

Canada Goose Tofino Rain Jacket ($795): In true CG fashion, this jacket feels and looks incredibly luxe and is offered in a stylish cut with a ton of great features like copious pockets. It's also fully waterproof and wind-resistant. That said, the cut is going to be too short for solid rain protection to anyone over 5'7" and it's not the lightest jacket.

Janji Zephyrunner Wind Shell ($156): This ultralight rain jacket feels like nothing on your body and scored ⅘ on waterproofing, making it a really great choice as a running rain jacket. The brand's Rainrunner Pack Jacket's built-in vents and slightly superior waterproofing edged out this pick from making it into a top spot.

Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Trench ($210): This jacket is fully waterproof and has nice features like adjustable wrist cuffs and a back vent. However, the fabric feels cold inside and the jacket only has a zip closure, no snaps or velcro, which is less practical in a longer trench coat. If you're looking for a more affordable trench rain coat than the Fjällräven's Vardag Rain Parka or Woolrich Waxed Trench Coat, it's a solid pick.

What we didn't like

Rains Long Jacket ($140): This gorpcore rain jacket looked promising in photos, but the loosely structured hood restricted our peripheral vision and the cheap snap buttons were prone to flaking off. Overall, it was way overpriced for the quality.

Carhartt Storm Defender ($150): This jacket looks steezy and has a baggy, unisex workwear fit. That said, it only has 10K/10K waterproof breathability and, while it'll keep you dry for light-to-moderate rain storms, the thin fabric gets very cold inside, making it not very comfortable.

Fjallraven Bergtagen Lite Eco-Shell W ($425): This jacket has Fjallraven's trademark high-quality construction, with full waterproofing and fabric that water beads right off. But the fit is off: The sleeves are long and the hood is oversized, impeding visibility. Also, there's only one pocket on the whole jacket and it's small and at the chest.